An FAA physical is a medical examination used to determine whether a pilot meets the Federal Aviation Administration’s health requirements for an airman medical certificate. The examination must be completed by an FAA-designated Aviation Medical Examiner, commonly called an AME.

An FAA medical certificate may be required for airline transport pilots, commercial pilots, private pilots, recreational pilots, student pilots, and flight instructors acting as pilot in command or as a required flightcrew member. The required certificate depends on the type of flying privileges being exercised, and certain exceptions may apply, including some BasicMed and sport-pilot operations.

The FAA issues three primary classes of airman medical certificates: First-Class Medical Certificate: Generally required when exercising airline transport pilot privileges. Second-Class Medical Certificate: Generally required for commercial pilot privileges and certain other commercial aviation positions. Third-Class Medical Certificate: Generally required for private, recreational, and student pilot privileges. Pilots must hold the appropriate medical class for the duties they intend to perform.

An FAA medical examination generally includes a review of your medical history, current medications, vision, color vision, hearing, blood pressure, and overall physical health. Requirements vary by certificate class. For example, first-class applicants may also need an electrocardiogram based on their age.

An FAA physical typically takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The appointment may take longer when the Aviation Medical Examiner needs to review a medical condition, medication, specialist report, or additional documentation.

Bring your FAA MedXPress confirmation number, photo identification, corrective lenses or hearing aids you use, a complete list of medications, and any medical records requested by the AME. Applicants must complete FAA Form 8500-8 through MedXPress before the examination. The MedXPress application remains active for 60 days.

Validity depends on the certificate class, your age, and the flying privileges being exercised: A first-class certificate is generally valid for first-class privileges for 12 months if you are under age 40 and six months if you are age 40 or older. A second-class certificate is generally valid for second-class privileges for 12 months. A third-class certificate is generally valid for 60 months if you are under age 40 and 24 months if you are age 40 or older. A first- or second-class certificate may continue to support lower-class privileges after its higher-class privileges expire.

Since January 1, 2025, first-time applicants must complete an FAA-approved, in-person computerized color vision screening. The screening evaluates both red-green and yellow-blue color vision deficiencies. Returning pilots who previously passed an FAA-approved color vision test generally do not need to complete the computerized screening again unless a medical condition, medication, certificate upgrade, or restriction review requires additional testing.